From any seat
When nobody has raised before you, these hands can be opened from every position at a 6-player table: pairs from 77 to AA, suited aces from A9s to AKs, KQs, KJs, KTs, QJs, QTs, JTs, and offsuit AK, AQ, AJ and KQ.
From the cutoff and the button
The last two seats before the blinds can add pairs 66 and 55, all suited aces down to A2s, suited connectors and gappers like K9s, Q9s, J9s, T9s and 98s, plus ATo, KJo and QJo.
From the button only
On the button you act last after the flop, so you can widen further: small pairs 44 to 22, suited hands like K8s to K5s, Q8s, J8s, T8s, 97s, 87s, 76s, 65s and 54s, and offsuit A9 to A7, KT, QT and JT.
The costly mistakes
Playing too many hands from early seats, calling raises with weak offsuit hands like K7o, and overvaluing an ace with a small offsuit kicker. When someone has already raised, play a much tighter range than this.
FAQ
Why does position matter so much?
Acting last gives you more information on every street, so you can play more hands profitably.
Should I play suited hands more often?
Suited hands are only slightly stronger than offsuit versions, but they can make flushes, so they're worth opening more often from late position.
Related guides
Strategy and maths reduce the house edge, but never remove it. 18+, play responsibly.